Small Mantels

Small mantels or "London Style" mantels
were standardized in London in the latter 1800's to provide a simple
design and building formula for coal burning fireplaces. The ideal size
for the mantel was deemed to have a 36" square opening. This provides
the minimum required 6" side clearances from the fireplace opening on a
fireplace that is 24" wide or smaller, and the required 8" clearance
from the top of the fireplace opening that is 28" tall or less.

As America sought to follow the
trend-setting Londoners of the day, many latter Victorian era fireplaces
in the US - from approximately 1880 to the 1930's - followed this
design guideline. Traditional fireplaces in London still use these
dimensions for fireplaces and mantels, so they are still available from
other parts of the world. We deal with a select base of suppliers to
bring you high quality small "London Style" mantels today, which fit
both vintage fireplaces found in old homes as well as working perfectly
with many of our small gas fireplaces.